Sale alert! The gorgeous hardcover copy of Forsaken Island is on sale on Amazon right now for only $13.16!!! I've heard lots of good stuff about this series but I only own book 2 rn.

https://www.amazon.com/Forsaken-Island-Book-Dancing-Realms/dp/1621841359/ref=sr_... hinck&qid=1636745316&qsid=139-6202773-1603945&s=books&sr=1-2&sres=1621841154,B088P8CFVW,B08T54MQDD,1935929356,B082FQH5LV,1621840492,1935929771,B07P3RVJYV,B00B85AMRW,0764201301,B01KJ7KC3S,0764201298,B01F9QF76G,1428117644,B0156Y333U,B00XVI5LFM

Forgotten, forgetting, forsaking.

With characteristic prowess, Sharon Hinck brings readers another intriguing fantasy with “Forsaken Island”, book two of The Dancing Realms series. Carya and Brantley’s story continues where “Hidden Current” left off, a sighting of another island in the previously-considered uninhabited ocean sparking hope for finding supplies to replace Meriel’s dwindling reserves. The duo arrives to a seemingly-impenetrable wall of tree branches, and once they enter this strange new world, everything becomes increasingly off-kilter. Paradise becomes a nightmare as the island’s secrets are revealed and the truth behind the façade of the inhabitants’ happiness comes to light. All is not as it appears…

Faced with the threat of the island’s core and the possibility of never being able to navigate back to Meriel, Carya and Brantley work to liberate the islanders from the prison they’ve created for themselves. Their fight becomes a parallel to humanity’s ongoing battle against sinfulness, and Carya learns to trust the Maker more while contending against her own wounds. Including the internal battle of allowing herself to love someone after being indoctrinated for years regarding her life as one set apart from society. “Forsaken Island” may fall into the fantasy genre, but it contains many truths for the soul. Surrender to the One who made the heavens and the earth and who watches over and guards those who are His is the only way to true freedom and joy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I am happy to be back in an adventure with this author. Her descriptive words help me visualize everything going on in the story. There is much to discover in this journey as the series continues. I love how the author takes us into a fantasy world while using God’s lessons to teach us and remind us of His love. Right at the start of the book we are reminded “not to give fear a place to bloom.” Well that must have been written just for me. Our characters are going into a place they are unfamiliar with but must not let fear stop them. How many times have you allowed fear to take over your life?
I like how once again we find ourselves among the characters as they race to seek food for their people. The place they came to was eerily creepy. Why was everyone overly nice. Is it a trick so Carya and Brantley will be caught off guard? I felt a bit of The Wizard of Oz in a part when someone says, “say that ten more times and see if it changes anything.” Visions of Dorothy being told to say , “There’s no place like home ,”several times danced in my head. Carya and Brantley are desperate to find their way out of this strange place.
I loved how the author uses these characters to teach us about trust and working together. Sharing their belief is strong in this story and I really didn’t want the story to end. I had jumped into the pages and was next to them as they discovered strange things on the island. Their mission to bring food back to their people becomes difficult when they can’t find their way out. I wonder if it would have helped if I tried to guide them? The story is full of excitement and surprises. Once again I’m in awe of an author who can brilliantly take readers to another place and make them feel like they are part of the story.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )